SHINY STEALS THE SHOW (A look at films, foils, and holograph
November 2001
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For many printers, the question is not whether to incorporate a specialty substrate, but which one?
by Kate Tomlinson, Assistant Editor
AS THE POPULARITY of packages incorporating metallized film, foil, and holography continues to rise, the "shiny look" is becoming almost commonplace on store shelves. So how are each of these substrates carving out individual uniquenesses?
Metallized film has recently figured prominently in new flexible packaging constructions, including StarKist Tuna's recently released alternative to the alumimun can, the Flavor Fresh Pouch™ retort pouch. Foil is finding a new niche as a softer, subtler attention-getter on packages for products such as cosmetics, which may require an upscale look without a harsh shine. Holography suppliers continue making strides in sharpening color and developing new patterns, while educating printers on recent improvements in the user-friendliness of these materials.
Metallized films: Standing out
Retort packages (foil-laminated pouches designed to transfer heat) and stand-up pouches are currently hot markets for polyester films—and incorporating a metallized polyester, as in the Starkist Tuna retort pouch, can help make it an even bigger seller.
"Retort packages are great sellers right now because of the simple convenience they offer," says Bob Finke, sales and marketing manager at Mitsubishi Polyester Films. "Products like tuna fish are sanitized, cooked, and packed in individual servings. We hope these new pouches will take a substantial part of the current can market."
Metallized films will also help showcase the latest polypropylene film technology developments. Scott Cooper, manager of polypropylene technical service and product development at ATOFINA Petrochemicals, says metallocene catalysts allow for the production of polypropylene films that are cleaner and contain improved incorporation of ethylene, which can lower the substrate's melting point and aid in heat seal and bonding applications.
These films will offer better metal adhesion and barrier properties, and increased stiffness. "A stiffer film may allow the printer to run the press at higher speeds, while the improved ethylene incorporation gives the product competitive toughness, tear strength, and optical properties," Cooper adds.
Metallized film is also helping to feed the growth of laminated paperboard constructions used in folding carton applications such as toothpaste and beer.
According to Finke, recycled paperboard laminated to a reverse-printed, metallized polyester film is a cost-effective alternative to printing directly on clay-coated paperboard. If "all the variables" are perfected, Finke says the laminate construction will provide better printed graphics and more gloss.
Steve Smith, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Hazen Paper, also sees the use of metallized and reflective surfaces jumping to the forefront in folding carton packaging. "Metallic silvers are reflective and uniform, which has its advantages in many packaging situations. And for all practical purposes, film is unbreakable. While the substrate [it is laminated onto] can break, film usually holds its integrity."
by Kate Tomlinson, Assistant Editor
AS THE POPULARITY of packages incorporating metallized film, foil, and holography continues to rise, the "shiny look" is becoming almost commonplace on store shelves. So how are each of these substrates carving out individual uniquenesses?
Metallized film has recently figured prominently in new flexible packaging constructions, including StarKist Tuna's recently released alternative to the alumimun can, the Flavor Fresh Pouch™ retort pouch. Foil is finding a new niche as a softer, subtler attention-getter on packages for products such as cosmetics, which may require an upscale look without a harsh shine. Holography suppliers continue making strides in sharpening color and developing new patterns, while educating printers on recent improvements in the user-friendliness of these materials.
Metallized films: Standing out
Retort packages (foil-laminated pouches designed to transfer heat) and stand-up pouches are currently hot markets for polyester films—and incorporating a metallized polyester, as in the Starkist Tuna retort pouch, can help make it an even bigger seller.
"Retort packages are great sellers right now because of the simple convenience they offer," says Bob Finke, sales and marketing manager at Mitsubishi Polyester Films. "Products like tuna fish are sanitized, cooked, and packed in individual servings. We hope these new pouches will take a substantial part of the current can market."
Metallized films will also help showcase the latest polypropylene film technology developments. Scott Cooper, manager of polypropylene technical service and product development at ATOFINA Petrochemicals, says metallocene catalysts allow for the production of polypropylene films that are cleaner and contain improved incorporation of ethylene, which can lower the substrate's melting point and aid in heat seal and bonding applications.
These films will offer better metal adhesion and barrier properties, and increased stiffness. "A stiffer film may allow the printer to run the press at higher speeds, while the improved ethylene incorporation gives the product competitive toughness, tear strength, and optical properties," Cooper adds.
Metallized film is also helping to feed the growth of laminated paperboard constructions used in folding carton applications such as toothpaste and beer.
According to Finke, recycled paperboard laminated to a reverse-printed, metallized polyester film is a cost-effective alternative to printing directly on clay-coated paperboard. If "all the variables" are perfected, Finke says the laminate construction will provide better printed graphics and more gloss.
Steve Smith, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Hazen Paper, also sees the use of metallized and reflective surfaces jumping to the forefront in folding carton packaging. "Metallic silvers are reflective and uniform, which has its advantages in many packaging situations. And for all practical purposes, film is unbreakable. While the substrate [it is laminated onto] can break, film usually holds its integrity."
Companies Mentioned:
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Chemistry for the Graphic Arts
What the Printer Should Know About Paper